1980 C10 5.3 swap

[FlatBlack77]

swap looks great. those are some pretty nice numbers.

what kinda mpg you gettin?

[Chappo]

Been a while since I have posted an update, installed Porterbuilt Rear Trailing Arm Conversion and Stage 1 bags in front, with AccuAir setup from Travis from AZProPerformance.




and short vid will post another with bed on when I get it back from shop with new floor pans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aufsECpLF7I&feature=youtu.be

[Captkaos]

Sweet.  I am posting this on my instagram...

[Chappo]

Thanks, I don't know what kinda mileage I am getting cause speedometer is not hooked up but definitely gets better than the old straight six it had.

[FlatBlack77]

right on dude i bet it can get out of its own way too unlike the straight six

its lookin pretty freakin sweet

[bigbrdf250]

If anyone is in the Dallas area and is thinking of going LS but not sure I will be more than happy to take you for a ride and help you out with sorting parts and cheaper routes.

Nice build, I'm willing to look at a parts list Id like see what u used or recommend? Mainly looking for the components needed for engine install,mounts,engine assy(year),trans(year),harness(year),fuel system,powersteering? I have an idea but since u actually have a running truck it's nice to get real info on what worked or didn't. Thanks.

[pratherjoe]

You can use a 91 suburban dash, the speedo is digital. Everything will work great, u will even have a check engine light :-)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Chappo]

BIGBRD F250, after doing the swap, if I had to do it again I would go with BRP Hotrods swap kit, they use a cad/cam design and this might sound like overkill ,but it will save you lots of time and offers support if you get stuck or have a question.

If not I went with basic Dirty Dingo mounts, LS Camaro headers which require front frame notch due to tubes being so big but not really bad, harness wise I would go with PSI and nothing else, an 87' fuel tank with walboro pump will handle power upgrades.

engine wise any year 5.3 will work you will just need to get a cable driven throttle body, if you get 03' and up DBW engine you will just be adding the transmission ECM but if you go PSI they can sort this out for you.

PM it you got any other questions.

As for Porterbuilt setup. PINION ANGLE !!! This only affected me once I got on the highway after 65mph and required me to shim transmission up and rearend slightly due to exhaust clearance which is due to me having and X-pipe, two angle levels from harbor freight can help with this at 5 bucks a piece.

I will have to remount my sway due to drop and reposition endlink mounts, Dave and Nathan at porterbuilt have informed me that they will be producing their own swaybar that will work with stage 1 front and stock crossmember very soon, so you will have that option, I will post Addco sway bar when I get it worked out just been busy working, "no rest for the wicked'.

[bigbrdf250]

Sounds good bro, I'll look into more stuff. I wonder if the brp kit will fit fbody headers? I need to upgrade to 2" so might have an extra set to mess with.

And as far as a ps pump, did u use the one that came with the 5.3?

[Captkaos]

BRP has headers designed to work around the mounts they made.  I don't have any but I do have some of their 3/4 length headers.  You would have to call and ask them about using other headers with them, but as long as it doesn't move the engine to far forward it should be ok.

You can use the factory PS pump from the LS motor.  If yours is the metric box it will bolt on, if not you will need an adapter fitting.

[bigbrdf250]

BRP has headers designed to work around the mounts they made.  I don't have any but I do have some of their 3/4 length headers.  You would have to call and ask them about using other headers with them, but as long as it doesn't move the engine to far forward it should be ok.

You can use the factory PS pump from the LS motor.  If yours is the metric box it will bolt on, if not you will need an adapter fitting.

Gotcha. Thanks

[mbtexasmade]

Nice write up Chappo I like how you put your truck together . I'm about to start on one that I wanna do a stock swap and was wondering if you could still give me some tips and advice?

[mbtexasmade]

If anyone is in the Dallas area and is thinking of going LS but not sure I will be more than happy to take you for a ride and help you out with sorting parts and cheaper routes. 

Nice write up Chappo I like how you put your truck together . I'm about to start on one that I wanna do a stock swap and was wondering if you could still give me some tips and advice?

[Chappo]

If I had to do everyting all over again I would pull the whole front clip off the truck, and use BRP Hotrods swap kit if I was not going for air ride, I going air ride get porterbuilt transmission crossmember along with Dirty Dingo mounts and 2010 Camaro factory headers(you will need to get air block off plate pretty easy).  If going for long tube headers double check notches for clearance on the frame rail on passenger side. Lastly for long tube headers only I would go with Lokar floor shifter conversion, my shift linkage and pinion angle are the last few things I have been dialing in more pinion angle than anything else and it only effects me about 65 mph.

Sorry for the late reply if you have anymore specifics feel free to shoot me a PM.